Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Agrarian Reform and Succession Rights of Legal Heirs Over Claimed Tillers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether legal heirs of a CLOA awardee prevail over alleged tillers in agrarian reform disputes.
Falsifying Time Records in Public Service: A Path to Dishonesty Charges
Learn how falsifying time records leads to dishonesty charges in Philippine public service, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
When Are Employee Confessions in Internal Investigations Admissible in Court?
Learn when employee confessions in internal investigations are admissible in Philippine courts, based on Supreme Court rulings on voluntariness and due process.
Setting the Critical Date for Electric Rate Refunds in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a refund claim over utility charges is barred by prescription, and why the date of payment, not discovery, controls.
Spousal Consent and Mortgage Validity: Protecting Marital Property Rights
Learn how spousal consent protects marital property from fraudulent transfers, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void titles.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Right to Hearing for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's administrative liability clarifies due process, procedural rights, and penalties for inefficiency, tardiness, and insubordination.
Ombudsman's Authority and Due Process: Protecting Rights in Preliminary Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that preliminary investigation requires due process, not just procedural compliance.
Squatters Rights in Ejectment Cases: Possession Disputes Between Informal Settlers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on squatters rights in ejectment cases—prior physical possession matters even between informal settlers on public land.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Solidary vs Ultimate Liability: Protecting Workers' Rights in Contracting Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability of principals and contractors under labor contracting arrangements.
Holographic Wills Recognizing Testamentary Intent Beyond Formal Titles IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine testamentary intent in holographic wills, beyond formal titles and designations.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Novation in Property Sales: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Supersedes a Conditional Sale
Explaining when a later deed of absolute sale novates or supersedes an earlier conditional sale, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Respectful Advocacy Limits on Attorney Language in Legal Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for abusive language in pleadings, citing Canons 8 and 11 of the CPR.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
When Is a Company Cook a Regular Employee? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a company cook is a regular employee, not a domestic helper, and the rules on illegal dismissal.
Protecting the People's Vote: Timeliness of Election Protests and Failure of Election Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 30-day period for election appeals, failure of election grounds, and the importance of raising issues promptly.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employee Transfers Become Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a management transfer becomes constructive dismissal and unfair labor practice.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Becomes Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a transfer becomes constructive dismissal and the limits of management prerogative.
When a Judge’s Delay and Dishonesty Undermine the Right to Speedy Trial
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge’s 13-year case backlog and falsified certificates of service, and what it means for the constitutional right to speedy justice.
Noise as Nuisance When Business Operations Disturb Neighboring Properties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when business noise becomes a legal nuisance and why courts, not local governments, handle abatement cases.